Goldschmidt returns with a vengeance as Cardinals blank Yankees 8-4 at Busch Stadium
ST. LOUIS — Paul Goldschmidt’s sprained right knee didn’t slow him down Sunday afternoon. In his first start since the injury, the Cardinals’ veteran delivered a three-hit performance that included two doubles, helping St. Louis to an 8-4 victory over the New York Yankees at Busch Stadium.
Goldschmidt entered the afternoon with some uncertainty about his knee, but he didn’t let it show. He doubled in the fourth inning to key a three-run rally and added another double in the ninth for an insurance run. The Cardinals honored him with a standing ovation before his first at-bat in his return to Busch Stadium, underscoring the fan base’s appreciation for his impact.
Manager and lineup notes
– After starting 46 straight games, Anthony Volpe took a breather, with José Caballero stepping in at shortstop. Volpe later entered as a pinch runner in the ninth, scoring a run and filling in at short in the bottom of the frame.
– Volpe has generally responded well to rare days off in his career, though he had been slumping, going 7-for-47 (.149) over his previous 13 games leading into Sunday.
– On the injury front, Jonathan Loáisiga began a rehab assignment for mid-back tightness with a scoreless 1-inning stint at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, throwing 16 pitches. Fernando Cruz also made a rehab appearance for an oblique issue, surrendering two runs in an inning. Amed Rosario, dealing with a SC joint sprain, completed pregame defensive work and is projected to be activated off the injured list on Tuesday, the first eligible day.
Swanson ejection sparks brief chaos
Tanner Swanson, the Cardinals’ director of catching, was ejected in the fourth inning after an encounter with third-base umpire Vic Carapazza over a called third strike against Trent Grisham. Miles Mikolas, on the mound for St. Louis, stepped off the rubber as Carapazza issued the ejection.
What it means going forward
– Goldschmidt’s return immediately bolsters the Cardinals’ lineup, providing a spark atop a lineup that needed offense. The two-double day illustrates his power and durability even as he works his way back from knee soreness.
– The club lot will be optimistic about getting Rosario back on the active roster soon, and with several other players progressing through rehab, the Cardinals are building depth for a stretch run.
– For the Yankees, the day offered a tough loss but also some encouraging moments from young players and a reminder that a lineup with Goldschmidt’s presence can swing games quickly when fully healthy.
Summary
Goldschmidt’s triumphant return from knee trouble marked a standout performance in an 8-4 win for the Cardinals over the Yankees. His three hits, including a pair of doubles, helped drive the decisive late-innings cushion, while the club also received updates on key returning players and rehab efforts across the roster. The matchup provided a positive sign for Cardinal fans as they head into the next series with momentum and greater depth.
Additional notes and possible angles for follow-up
– Track Goldschmidt’s knee progression in the coming days and how it affects his durability and workload.
– Monitor Amed Rosario’s activation timeline and how the Cardinals manage their infield defense with Volpe’s continued participation for the Yankees.
– Consider a feature on the game’s controversial moment with Swanson’s ejection, including perspectives from both dugouts and the umpiring crew to explain the sequence.